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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Discover a delightful dish with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken pieces and al dente penne pasta are tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce is made with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, and enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors. Leftovers can be easily reheated, making it a great option for meal prep. This easy-to-make recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that's sure to win hearts with its delicious blend of flavors. Tender chicken pieces are combined with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. Let's explore the ingredients you need to make this delectable recipe.

INGREDIENTS

  • Chicken: 16 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces, providing tender protein.
  • Penne Pasta: 12 ounces of uncooked pasta, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon, used to season the chicken.
  • Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a touch of spice.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for cooking the chicken to a golden brown.
  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, used in the sauce for richness.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, adding a fragrant and savory element to the sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: 2 cups, creating the base of the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup, adding creaminess and body to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated, for a rich, cheesy flavor.
  • Paprika: ½ teaspoon, adding a mild heat and color.
  • Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for a blend of herbs.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, drained and chopped, providing a sweet and tangy contrast.
  • Baby Spinach (optional): 1 cup, for a fresh and healthy addition.
  • Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prep Chicken and Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 7 - 9 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Make Marry Me Pasta Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the paprika, dried Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 - 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
If using, add the baby spinach and stir until it is slightly wilted.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Helpful Notes

To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less rich. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. The dish can be made with other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or rigatoni, depending on your preference.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests using fresh herbs, such as basil and parsley, to enhance the dish's flavor and aroma.

Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and browned before adding it to the sauce, as this enhances the overall taste and texture.

Chef Rachael Ray advises using a high-quality parmesan cheese for the best flavor, as it plays a key role in the sauce's richness.

Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan for a delicious meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Ingredients

01 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken (cut into 1-inch pieces).
02 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked).
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
04 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
05 2 tablespoons olive oil.
06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
07 4 cloves garlic (minced).
08 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
09 2 cups chicken broth.
10 1 cup heavy cream.
11 1 cup grated parmesan cheese.
12 ½ teaspoon paprika.
13 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
14 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped).
15 1 cup baby spinach (optional).
16 Fresh basil (for garnish, if desired).

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 - 9 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the paprika, dried Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 03

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 - 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Add the baby spinach (if using) and stir until slightly wilted. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50g
  • Protein: 40g